1991 Toyota 4RUNNER
This year had at least 30% fewer complaints than this model's typical year.
This verdict reflects complaint volume compared to this model's typical year. Recalls and safety issues below apply regardless of the verdict — always check them.
COMPLAINTS PER YEAR
View as data table
| Year | Complaints |
|---|---|
| 1984 | 2 |
| 1985 | 2 |
| 1986 | 8 |
| 1987 | 5 |
| 1988 | 9 |
| 1989 | 6 |
| 1990 | 79 |
| 1991 | 43 |
| 1992 | 53 |
| 1993 | 52 |
| 1994 | 12 |
| 1995 | 47 |
| 1996 | 72 |
| 1997 | 139 |
| 1998 | 130 |
| 1999 | 220 |
| 2000 | 379 |
| 2001 | 154 |
| 2002 | 192 |
| 2003 | 527 |
| 2004 | 612 |
| 2005 | 409 |
| 2006 | 381 |
| 2007 | 154 |
| 2008 | 96 |
| 2009 | 22 |
| 2010 | 145 |
| 2011 | 163 |
| 2012 | 96 |
| 2013 | 36 |
| 2014 | 77 |
| 2015 | 86 |
| 2016 | 79 |
| 2017 | 36 |
| 2018 | 58 |
| 2019 | 64 |
| 2020 | 32 |
| 2021 | 36 |
| 2022 | 39 |
| 2023 | 30 |
| 2024 | 8 |
| 2025 | 56 |
| 2026 | 7 |
KNOWN PROBLEM AREAS
Percentages can add to more than 100% -- a complaint can name more than one system.
51% of complaints: engine and engine cooling — 22 distinct reports on file, most commonly citing engine and exhaust system.
Show complaint excerpts
THE HEAD GASKET LEAKED OIL. *JB THE MAIN WIRES ON THE ENGINE SHORTED OUT WITH MULTIPLE ELECTRICAL COMPONENT FAILURES. OVER $3500 SPENT IN REPAIRS WITHIN 2 WEEKS. * CB *JB
NHTSA ODI report, 20030424
CYLINDER HEAD GASKET IS DAMAGED, LEAKING COOLANT. TT
NHTSA ODI report, 19950206
21% of complaints: service brakes — 9 distinct reports on file, most commonly citing hydraulic.
Show complaint excerpts
WHILE DRIVING IN THE STREET AT 40 MPH, IT ACCELERATES FOR NO REASON. I COULD NOT STOP, THE BRAKE PUT HARD, DID NOT RESPOND TO ANY CHANGE AND ENGINE SPEED INCREASED TO MORE THAN 5000. I HAD TO TURN IT OFF STILL RUNNING.
NHTSA ODI report, 20151204
Also filed under VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL
12% of complaints: steering — 5 distinct reports on file, most commonly citing connecting and arm.
CRASH INJURYShow complaint excerpts
1991 TOYOTA 4RUNNER STEERING FAILED WHEN TURNING WHEEL. *TS ***NO ANSWER REQUIRED*** THE CONSUMER RECEIVED A RECALL NOTICE REGARDING THE STEERING LINKAGES TWO MONTHS AFTER THE ACCIDENT. *JB *NM
NHTSA ODI report, 20060216
MY DAUGHTER WITH TWO GRANDDAUGHTERS WERE DRIVING IN A 91 TOYOTA 4 RUNNER ON A WELL MAINTAINED LOG ROAD WHEN THEY LOST STEERING AND WENT OVER A 30 FT CLIFF. THE STEERING KNUCKLE BROKE THE TILT STEERING AND PLASTIC. *LA
NHTSA ODI report, 20031001
12% of complaints: power train — 5 distinct reports on file, most commonly citing manual transmission and driveline.
9% of complaints: tires — 4 distinct reports on file, most commonly citing tread/belt.
CRASH INJURYShow complaint excerpts
PE00 020; CONSUMER WAS TRAVELING 65MPH ON THE HIGHWAY AND RIGHT REAR TIRE EXPLODED. CONSUMER FELT A VIBRATION COMING FROM STEERING. LOST CONTROL, VEHICLE SLID AND WENT INTO AN ENBANKMENT. *AK
NHTSA ODI report, 20000804
SAFETY TIMELINE
LOSS OF BRAKE EFFECTIVENES
LOSS OF BRK EFFECTIVENESS
CORRODED BRAKE LINES
REAR SEAT BELT ROUTING
ON CERTAIN PICKUP TRUCKS AND SPORT UTILITY VEHICLES, IF THE STEERING WHEEL IS REPEATEDLY TURNED UNDER CERTAIN CONDITIONS WHERE HIGH STEERING EFFORT AND POWER ASSIST ARE REQUIRED, FOR INSTANCE, WHEN FU
Remedy: DEALERS WILL REPLACE THE STEERING RELAY ROD. THE RECALL BEGAN OCTOBER 5, 2005. OWNERS MAY CONTACT TOYOTA AT 1-800-331-4331.
Campaign 05V389000 — check if this car was fixed
CERTAIN CK MOTORSPORTS COMBINATION HEADLIGHTS, CLEAR CORNER, BUMPER, AND SIDE MARKER LIGHTS SOLD AS REPLACEMENT LAMPS FOR USE ON THE PASSENGER VEHICLES LISTED ABOVE. SOME COMBINATION LAMPS THAT ARE N
Remedy: CK MOTORSPORT WILL NOTIFY OWNERS AND REPLACE THE NONCOMPLIANT LAMPS FREE OF CHARGE. THE RECALL BEGAN ON JULY 1, 2006. OWNERS MAY CONTACT CK MOTORSPORT AT 1-909-610-7211.
Campaign 06E049000 — check if this car was fixed
BUY-SMART CHECKLIST
1991 Toyota 4RUNNER — pre-purchase inspection
- Test/inspect for engine and engine cooling issues (22 reports on file for this year).
- Test/inspect for service brakes issues (9 reports on file for this year).
- Test/inspect for steering issues (5 reports on file for this year).
- Verify recall 05V389000 (steering) has been completed.
- Verify recall 06E049000 (exterior lighting) has been completed.
OTHER YEARS OF THIS MODEL
BEST YEARS
WORST YEARS
FAQ
Is the 1991 Toyota 4RUNNER reliable?
Based on NHTSA complaint volume compared to this model's typical year, the 1991 Toyota 4RUNNER is rated "better than typical".
What are the most common problems with the 1991 Toyota 4RUNNER?
The most-reported component is engine and engine cooling, accounting for 51% of complaints on file.
How many recalls does the 1991 Toyota 4RUNNER have?
2 recalls on file for this model year.
Data updated 2026-09-16 · Complaints are unverified owner reports filed with NHTSA, not independently verified defects. Methodology.